The Scriptures and Good Works # 3

The Scriptures and Good Works # 3

No one really desires to go to hell, though there are few indeed who are willing to forsake that broad road which inevitably leads there. All would like to go to Heaven, but only true Christians are really willing and determined to walk that narrow way which alone leads thereto. It is at this point that we may discern the precise place which good works have in connection with salvation. They do not procure a title to Heaven - yet they are among the means which God has appointed for His people's getting there. In no sense are good works the procuring cause of eternal life - but they are part of the means (as are the Spirit's work within us - and repentance, faith and obedience by us) conducing to it. God has appointed the way wherein we must walk in order to our arriving at the inheritance purchased for us by Christ. A life of daily obedience to God is that which alone gives actual admission to the enjoyment of what Christ has purchased for His people - admission now by faith, and admission at death or His return, in full actuality.

3. We profit from the Word when we are taught thereby the DESIGN of good works. This is clearly made known in Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men - that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." It is worthy of our notice, that this is the first occurrence of the expression, and, as is generally the case, the initial mention of a thing in Scripture intimates its subsequent scope and usage. Here we learn that the disciples of Christ are to authenticate their Christian profession by the silent but vocal testimony of their lives (for "light" makes no noise in its "shining"), that men may see (not hear boastings about) their good works, and this that their Father in Heaven may be glorified. Here, then, is their fundamental design - for the honor of God.

As the contents of Matthew 5:16 are so generally misunderstood and perverted, we add a further thought thereon. Only too commonly the "good works" are confounded with the "light" itself, yet they are quite distinct, though inseparably connected. The "light" is our testimony for Christ - but of what value is this unless the life itself exemplifies it? The "good works" are not for the directing of attention to ourselves - but to Him who has wrought them in us. They are to be of such a character and quality that even the ungodly will know they proceed from some higher source than fallen human nature. Supernatural fruit requires a supernatural root - and as this is recognized, the Gardener is glorified thereby.

Equally significant is the last reference to "good works" in Scripture: "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good works and glorify God on the day He visits us" (1 Peter 2:12). Thus the first and final allusions emphasize their design - to glorify God because of His good works through His people in this world.

4. We profit from the Word when we are taught thereby the true NATURE of good works. This is something concerning which the unregenerate are in entire ignorance. Judging merely from the external, estimating things only by human standards - they are quite incompetent to determine what works are good in God's esteem, and what are not. Supposing that what men regard as good works, that God will approve too - they remain in the darkness of their sin-blinded understandings. Nor can any convince them of their error, until the Holy Spirit quickens them into newness of life, bringing them out of darkness into God's marvelous light. Then it will appear that only those are good works which are done in obedience to the revealed will of God (Romans 6:16), from a principle of love to Him (Hebrews 10:24), in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17), and to the glory of God by Him (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The true nature of "good works" was perfectly exemplified by the Lord Jesus.

All that He did was done in obedience to His Father. He "pleased not Himself" (Romans 15:3), but ever performed the bidding of the One who had sent Him (John 6:38). He could say, "i do always those things that please Him" (John 8:29). There are no limits to Christ's subjection to the Father's will - He "became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross" (Philippians 2:8).

~A. W. Pink~

(continued with # 4)